Known for its lively culture, cigars and rum, Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, only slightly smaller than the State of Pennsylvania. But it’s also 4000 smaller islands surrounded by tropical reefs, white sparkling sand and swaying palm trees.
By the time you read this, s/v Winterlude will be underway south to the long forbidden other side of the Florida Straits. Unfortunately we woke to a drizzling (sometimes heavier) rain and overcast skies. But winds are from the SE 11-13 and forecast to be a bit stronger with waves 3-5′. Finally a weather window that looks soggy but won’t blow us off the Gulf Stream! 🙂
Communications will be an issue, so not sure we’ll be updating Commuter Cruiser regularly, but when we return … our latest cruising adventures will be another chapter in our 15+ year commuter cruising history. I’ll post all the details – from communications, to check in, to the marinas (boats are only allowed in marinas – I guess the Cubans don’t want us having accidental stowaways when we return to the US), the details of our sail, weather, and other pertinent information for those following in our wake.
Who knows, maybe we’ll even discover new possibilities that will shortly be available for commuter cruisers leaving boats during hurricane season.
And, in the meantime, I’ll try and post photos or updates when/if internet is available! 🙂
Cheers … or maybe I should say Hasta Luego! Jan & David
I am jealous. I have wanted to go to Cuba for years. Work is getting in the way now. My father lived the first 3 years of his life in Cuba. My grandfather managed a sugar factory in Cuba until the mid 1950s and I would love to see their home.
Fantastic! I wondered if that was in your plans! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Enjoy!
There will be a better day to sail to Cuba. Training squall lines (unforecast, I might add), 25-30 kt winds with 6-8 ft seas never ending on the radar made us decide to be flexible and change our minds! As I sit here listening to the wind wail, I’m sad but glad.
Better to be safe, Cuba will still be there. As a Canadian I have visited Cuba many times for vacation and have spent a couple of days in Havana. Fascinating place.
You’re doing it! Congrats and can’t wait to hear about the adventure!
Thx Jen! Trying … have all the licenses, now to get the weather! Not looking good until maybe Monday, but we’re ready & we’ll see! Cheers! J&D
Can’t wait for your updates have fun & stay safe.
So, what exactly do you mean when you say “boats are only allowed in marinas”? Is there no anchoring or mooring allowed for sailboats?
Unless you’re in a national park, or other area designated OK for anchoring, boats must be in marinas in Cuban waters. There are national parks & areas where you can anchor, but more on the south side of the island than north. If you’re on Facebook, check Cuba, Land & Sea and ask to join the group. They have all the latest up to date info as it changes daily almost. You can’t anchor outside of Havana anyway because the water comes from thousands of feet to literally a few feet in a matter of a quarter mile. And you cannot enter Havana Harbor, boats must go to either Hemingway Marina or Varadero (an overnight to the east). Cheers! Jan